Pediatric Musculoskeletal Cancer and Sarcoma Program

City of Hope has one of the largest musculoskeletal cancer programs in California. We routinely treat patients of all ages — children, adolescents and adults — who are referred to us by physicians from California and throughout the U.S.

Children with musculoskeletal cancers, and their families, find more than hope here. You also find expedited diagnosis and rapid treatment that begins in a matter of hours or days, not weeks. Because musculoskeletal cancers can be especially aggressive and fast-growing, we have assembled a team of specialists and clinicians who collaborate on the best course of treatment for each patient.

In our pediatric musculoskeletal cancer and sarcoma program, care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, working together with pathologists, radiologists, rehabilitation experts and others to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Sarcoma and musculoskeletal cancer treatment

Treatment for these bone and soft tissue cancers combines chemotherapy and other drugs with surgery and radiation. In patients with advanced sarcoma, City of Hope researchers pioneered the use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as an element of treatment in advanced sarcoma. Our approach integrates powerful new anti-cancer drugs with alternative therapies to spare limbs. In 85 percent of our cases, we have successfully spared the patient’s limb.

We are a national center for the use of expandable prosthetic implants for limb-sparing reconstruction in children and adolescents. These expandable prostheses are able to “grow” using noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques. This allows us to accommodate for your child’s continued growth in future years without multiple major surgeries. Using these devices, we are able to reduce the number of surgeries and improve recovery time, while removing your child’s bone cancer and reconstructing their limbs.

Sarcoma and musculoskeletal cancer team

Living with sarcoma and musculoskeletal cancer

Supportive care is provided by psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and child life specialists to help families adjust during treatment and rehabilitation. Patients and their families are able to participate in numerous classes and social events — featuring everything from nutrition classes and meditation to accupuncture and art therapy — through our Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center.

A unique benefit of being treated at City of Hope is that we treat patients of all ages in our musculoskeletal program. If your child relapses or requires continued treatment or follow-up into adulthood, your family can stay with a team you know and trust, providing greater continuity of care.